Many nations, such as the Chinese and Americans, share a piece of folk wisdom that the longest journey begins with a single step. Today, I have already taken those first steps. But first things first.

To start, let me introduce myself. My name is Vladimir Zhigulskikh, and I am a 4th-year student at the Faculty of Bio-technological Management at Altai State Agricultural University. I have a wonderful major: "Technology of production and processing of agricultural products." In short, it is the technology of crop production, animal husbandry, and the food industry. I won't bore you, my dear readers, with these tedious terms; I will just continue my narrative. And I immediately want to answer the question (for myself and everyone interested): why did I decide to go on Work and Travel USA? There are many reasons. The first and most important one is to earn money, see the world, and do both together. Plus, it is a very good opportunity to improve my English and gain professional experience. Besides, it is a trial by fire.

I started thinking about such things a long time ago. Somewhere at the end of my second year, my English teacher advised me to go on this program. At first, I was suspicious, but then I realized that there are many positive aspects to Work and Travel USA. Therefore, right away, without delay, I want to thank her. Natalya Konstantinovna, thank you very much.

Having made a firm decision to go, I turned to the International Exchange Center. It was the end of May, so I was late in 2010. In 2011, it didn't work out either—I was brainwashed, and I wanted to go on an internship program. That was a bust too. Now I have firmly decided to go through the International Exchange Center.